TAKING THEIR TEMPERATURE

HOISINGTON – From the heavy-duty bunker gear worn to a fire call to the ever-rising price of equipment, the business of fighting fires has evolved dramatically in the past 30 years, Hoisington Fire Chief Jerry Stricker said Wednesday night.

Hoisington PD gets approval for new vehicle

BY RAY STRUNK

PTRC open house Thursday

Great Bend USD 428's Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. No room fees will be charged Thursday. PTRC is a workroom available to educators and the community, located on the southwest side of the Washington Early Childhood Center (the former Washington Elementary School) at 2535 Lakin Ave. For easy entry park on Washington Street close to 12th Street and look for the PTRC sign.

Claflin Mayor ‘thumbs down’ on storage request

CLAFLIN - Shane Suchy returned to the Claflin City Council Monday night in anticipation of its findings on his December proposal to bring five storage units and place them on the property at 130 NE Ave. and K-4. He didn't get the answer he was hoping for.

Elsasser sentenced on drug charges

On Friday, Feb. 10, Codey Deon Elsasser appeared in Barton County District Court for sentencing following his earlier convictions for distribution or possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and a separate charge of possession of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 15 months in the custody of the Kansas Secretary of Corrections. Following his release from prison, Elsasser will be placed on probation with an underlying sentence of 11 months.

Love is in the air

The Madrigal Pops Singers from Great Bend High School deliver a singing Valentine, Tuesday at The Buckle. Choir Director Susan Stambaugh said the show choir started visiting schools and businesses before 8 a.m. and spent the day traveling to various locations in Great Bend.

Judge's decision to help illegal immigrant reversed

The Kansas Court of Appeals has reversed Barton County District Judge Ron Svaty's decision to set aside the identity theft conviction of a woman from Mexico living illegally in Barton County.

BCC revenue down, but oil values rise

Barton Community College's revenue in January 2017 was down about $6 million from the same time last year, although most of that was due to a date payment from the Barton County Treasure's Office, Dean of Administration Mark Dean told BCC trustees on Tuesday.

Scenic overlook to take shape soon

Construction of the long-awaited Cheyenne Bottoms scenic overlook tower east of Hoisington should within a few weeks, County Engineer Barry McManaman.

Judge’s decision reversed in identity case

The Kansas Court of Appeals has reversed a district court judge's decision to set aside the identity theft conviction of a Barton County resident, County Attorney Amy Mellor reported Tuesday.

Teen injured in one-car accident

A Hoisington motorist was injured Monday afternoon when the car he was driving left a Barton County road and struck a culvert.

GENEROUS HEARTS

The generosity and giving capacity of the Great Bend community was never more apparent than with the culmination this week of the Boxes of Love project spearheaded by United Way, Meals On Wheels, ElderCare Inc., RSVP of Central Kansas and Golden Belt Home, Health & Hospice.

New slate of legislators working together to fill Kansas budget hole

It has been a couple of weeks since my last newsletter. I can't say that there is too much real progress thus far to report on. There are lots of good discussions that are being had - but no decisions of how to proceed. However, I will give you an update on where things stand.

Larned woman testifies in Topeka

TOPEKA - Lawmakers, experts in law and corrections, and those with direct personal experience with the death penalty testified on Monday in support of HB 2167, which would repeal the Kansas death penalty and replace it life in prison without any possibility of parole. The hearing on HB 2167 was scheduled for 1:15 p.m. in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee.

GBHS Speech places in 7 events

SCOTT CITY - Two Great Bend High School speech students placed in seven events at the Scott City Forensics/Speech Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11.

CKCC rising to meet challenges

After hearing an update on the Fiscal Year 2017 outcomes for Central Kansas Community Corrections Monday morning, the County Commission approved the 20th Judicial District ...

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